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Frankly, our offense looked the same as it has in just about every playoff game we lose. Ever since Manning, we don't seem to lose playoff game shoot outs where the offense scores a lot of points, but rather they look fairly inept. To take that extra step, the offense needs two more play makers, IMO.

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It's close. We need a no1 WR and some O-Line depth on offense, but we need a no1 CB and at least 2 pass rushers on defense. I'd say the defense is slightly more of a need, but the biggest need at any position is a no1 WR. If someone falls at WR in the draft, we have to take them with our 1st or one of our 2nd rounders IMO. I'd also sign someone like Adam Humphries in FA. Luckily, this is a very good defensive class.

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I think it is a mistake to make this an either / or choice. In my world, we call this an optimization problem. The question relates to what changes, if any, the Colts should make in the structure of the team. This is a tricky question. To start, an "as is" analysis has to be performed re: how we did given all the teams we have competed against. In the near future, what are the kinds of changes those other teams will probably make - which leads us to the "should be" analysis. There are a lot of "what-ifs" to consider.

It is possible that the Colts are only a couple of players short of being a SB contender. Then again, maybe not. Teams used to use "gut feelings" in making these decisions. Some teams have found better ways in their decision making process not solely based on insight and intuition.

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Defense. If we draft a wide receiver they probably won’t make a impact for a couple of years. Getting Doyle back will help the offense a ton next year. Plus if we get Inman back he will have a entire off season to work with a Luck. Yes the the offense looked bad but we aren’t as bad as we looked in KC. It was just one of those games.

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Defense. If we draft a wide receiver they probably won’t make a impact for a couple of years. Getting Doyle back will help the offense a ton next year. Plus if we get Inman back he will have a entire off season to work with a Luck. Yes the the offense looked bad but we aren’t as bad as we looked in KC. It was just one of those games.

I've seen the bolded said so many times on here and I have no idea why it is accepted as fact. Rookies at all positions have taken time to get their sea legs under them and others in all positions have flourished immediately. Plus there will be football after 2019.

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It's Defense and it's not close IMO. If I am Ballard I load up on a bunch of D.Lineman picks and Pass Rushers. We can stay fresh and interchange D.Lineman all game and wear teams down with that concept. Also he may nail a great Pass Rusher in the process. Have to put pressure on QB's like Brady and Mahomes otherwise they will eat our lunch.

On Offense we just need 1 more playmaker at WR to go with TY, if we get the right one that alone will make a world of difference. Our O.Line is now solid and Luck is healthy too, Doyle will be back and we have Ebron so our TE position is really solid. It would be nice to have a power back but Mack and Hines are pretty good backs.

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We didn't score much versus chiefs but we also didn't do a good job of shutting down their offense. So would going defense heavy or offense in the draft be better.

They need to improve on both sides of the ball. Since this seems to be a better draft on the defensive side of the ball, I could see the Colts drafting more defensive players. However, that doesn't mean they will neglect the offensive side, there are good prospects that could help the Oline and WR positions.

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There are plenty needs on both sides. But if the Offense gets the WR's needed, (a Big Time early draft pick AND a proven talented veteran) and a Top RB to pair with Mack. I think the O could really rank with the best in the league.

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Defense. We have stout oline, rbs, and tight ends. I think we have a few players like Cain, Inman, or Rogers who could develop into solid 2s. We need pass rush in a major way, need to address it ASAP imo.

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I believe everything starts at the line of scrimmage. Thank goodness, so does Ballard. If he stays true to is core beliefs, the D-line will get 2 drafted additions and the o-line will get one. If the right players are there, I can see the first 3 picks addressing the LOS.

I also believe Tom Rathman will get his guy this draft. A true FB/HB. Rathman helped make the 49'ers offense multi-dimensional. He could pass block, run block, power rush, pick up short yardage and catch out of the backfield. If that happens, I can see Rathman-V2 & Mack in the backfield with Hines in the slot on a regular basis. There are a lot of running/passing options that can be created from that group.

TY, Inman & Cain (who I believe is a legit #2) will be the 3 primary WR's. Rogers & Grant are JAGS and will be moved on, leaving a PR/KR position open for a day 2 pick. (Fountain will most likely start to take shape and grab the #5 spot).

I also see Jacoby Brissett being traded for a #2. This will create a need for a backup QB. I believe it will be a FA vet.

I believe Eberflus wants to play both man coverage & zone, so he'll need the CB's, Safeties & LB'ers to do it.

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We need another playmaker on offense and another difference maker on defense. Ballard has the cash, FA and trades at his disposal to get those players. If he can find a way to get both before the draft we will be one of the clear favorites for the SB. If he doesn't and just relies on the draft and a few lower level tier FA's then I think it's a close but no cigar year for the Colts and Luck.

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I believe everything starts at the line of scrimmage. Thank goodness, so does Ballard. If he stays true to is core beliefs, the D-line will get 2 drafted additions and the o-line will get one. If the right players are there, I can see the first 3 picks addressing the LOS.

I also believe Tom Rathman will get his guy this draft. A true FB/HB. Rathman helped make the 49'ers offense multi-dimensional. He could pass block, run block, power rush, pick up short yardage and catch out of the backfield. If that happens, I can see Rathman-V2 & Mack in the backfield with Hines in the slot on a regular basis. There are a lot of running/passing options that can be created from that group.

TY, Inman & Cain (who I believe is a legit #2) will be the 3 primary WR's. Rogers & Grant are JAGS and will be moved on, leaving a PR/KR position open for a day 2 pick. (Fountain will most likely start to take shape and grab the #5 spot).

I also see Jacoby Brissett being traded for a #2. This will create a need for a backup QB. I believe it will be a FA vet.

I believe Eberflus wants to play both man coverage & zone, so he'll need the CB's, Safeties & LB'ers to do it.

I agree with your assessment of our needs. How Ballard uses FA and the off season to address them will be fun to watch. I have always liked Juwan James, the RT of the Dolphins, and I would like to see us pick him up this year in FA and move Smith back to RG. I like Josh Jacobs to be that FB/RB option in the draft. I'm not confident he will fall into the 2nd. rd. but you never know. I see him as a Rathman type of back. Hopefully Ballard pulls off that Jacoby trade to help us along as well. I am also hoping Ballard gets aggressive this off season and a little luck along the way wouldn't hurt either.

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It is possible that the Colts are only a couple of players short of being a SB contender. Then again, maybe not. Teams used to use "gut feelings" in making these decisions. Some teams have found better ways in their decision making process not solely based on insight and intuition.

we could be two players away if we are talking about a very good edge rusher and WR. realistically we will probably need more depth especially on defense to weather injuries. oline injuries happen to pretty much every team, every year and we dont have much behind our starting tackles either

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I've seen the bolded said so many times on here and I have no idea why it is accepted as fact. Rookies at all positions have taken time to get their sea legs under them and others in all positions have flourished immediately. Plus there will be football after 2019.

Because it does take a couple of years for a WR to learn to play in the NFL. They will make a play once in a while just from their talent but not on a consistent bases.

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I think it is a mistake to make this an either / or choice. In my world, we call this an optimization problem. The question relates to what changes, if any, the Colts should make in the structure of the team. This is a tricky question. To start, an "as is" analysis has to be performed re: how we did given all the teams we have competed against. In the near future, what are the kinds of changes those other teams will probably make - which leads us to the "should be" analysis. There are a lot of "what-ifs" to consider.

It is possible that the Colts are only a couple of players short of being a SB contender. Then again, maybe not. Teams used to use "gut feelings" in making these decisions. Some teams have found better ways in their decision making process not solely based on insight and intuition.

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You're not a fan of Mack, but then state the colts don't need a rb. That doesn't seem to make sense.

One of the other things Ballard said was that he was happy with the RBs. Of course that doesn’t mean he’ll stick with them, time will tell. I really don’t think Bell is even an option from what he said about high paid FAs and the locker room.

He also talked about Williams and how they tried to get him several times. I won’t be surprised if the four are our RBs this season and that Williams has the Turbin role.

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I believe everything starts at the line of scrimmage. Thank goodness, so does Ballard. If he stays true to is core beliefs, the D-line will get 2 drafted additions and the o-line will get one. If the right players are there, I can see the first 3 picks addressing the LOS.

I was going to type something but saw yours. since I mostly agree, I'll just add a thought here and there.

To the bolded above - agree. but maybe not 1st 3 picks. Maybe close to it, it just depends on players available. I'd really like to get a dominating 3 Technique, though.

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I also believe Tom Rathman will get his guy this draft. A true FB/HB. Rathman helped make the 49'ers offense multi-dimensional. He could pass block, run block, power rush, pick up short yardage and catch out of the backfield. If that happens, I can see Rathman-V2 & Mack in the backfield with Hines in the slot on a regular basis. There are a lot of running/passing options that can be created from that group.

Interesting item.

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TY, Inman & Cain (who I believe is a legit #2) will be the 3 primary WR's. Rogers & Grant are JAGS and will be moved on, leaving a PR/KR position open for a day 2 pick. (Fountain will most likely start to take shape and grab the #5 spot).

I hope Cain lives up to his fan hype. We've had so many over the years that did not. I will not list them here. Cain will need to show it against others teams best players.

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I also see Jacoby Brissett being traded for a #2. This will create a need for a backup QB. I believe it will be a FA vet.

Maybe Ballard does let him go for a #2... not sure. What vet FA QB is worth the roster spot?

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I believe Eberflus wants to play both man coverage & zone, so he'll need the CB's, Safeties & LB'ers to do it.

I see mostly zone with critical time/situational man to man scheme where the DB has to win. That means pass rush has to be present, which goes to the top item up above. :-)

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It's close. We need a no1 WR and some O-Line depth on offense, but we need a no1 CB and at least 2 pass rushers on defense. I'd say the defense is slightly more of a need, but the biggest need at any position is a no1 WR. If someone falls at WR in the draft, we have to take them with our 1st or one of our 2nd rounders IMO. I'd also sign someone like Adam Humphries in FA. Luckily, this is a very good defensive class.

For the most part I like your posts but...

You gotta get off the TY isnt a no 1 receiver triangle. We need a solid no 2 WR and some depth. TY is top 10 WR material. He is not a number 2 wr.

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That is a broad statement that I simply don't think is factual. There are examples every years of WR's coming in and contributing right away.

Contributing, sure. But it’s pretty common for them to take a year to excel. Guys like Moss and Megatron are rare. We’re any of the top 20 WRs rookies? (Wasn’t a great WR class, so that’s not a good example)

But we’re not looking for a #1, just someone that can win a one on one when T.Y. and Ebron are doubled, like Ballard said. There are several in this draft that can do that. Maybe Cain too, but I wouldn’t count on him.

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I've seen the bolded said so many times on here and I have no idea why it is accepted as fact. Rookies at all positions have taken time to get their sea legs under them and others in all positions have flourished immediately. Plus there will be football after 2019.

It was a "Polian'ism"... He would always say that it takes WR's take 2-3 years to "fully develop". I think that was his fall back phrase for Reggie Wayne when it took him a couple years to come around...

CB , we've done well with average cornerbacks Wilson is coming along but it's time to either draft or bring in a number 1

Upgrade on defensive tackle

If we can find those players playing at above-average level things will change dramatically. We need someone to also be a good spy against the run and quarterback scrambles.

I know this is a tall task but we have the draft picks and we have free agency and money to spend

CB position will be interesting.
Desir graded as a Quality CB and proved it against some of the best WR.
Thankfully we are in a Superior position to upgrade out team.
And 4 is an easy number in the draft only, so...

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I was going to type something but saw yours. since I mostly agree, I'll just add a thought here and there.

To the bolded above - agree. but maybe not 1st 3 picks. Maybe close to it, it just depends on players available. I'd really like to get a dominating 3 Technique, though.

Interesting item.

--We couldn't run the ball in KC. The Patriots did though and controlled the clock 43 minutes to 17. The running game must get better or the team won't get to the top tier.

I hope Cain lives up to his fan hype. We've had so many over the years that did not. I will not list them here. Cain will need to show it against others teams best players.

--I forgot about Marcus Johnson and KJ Brent when I was penciling Fountain in. Johnson, Brent & Pascal for that matter are all better players and will eliminate Fountain. Add Cain to that group and the immediate need for a premium $ WR is not a absolute certainty.

Maybe Ballard does let him go for a #2... not sure. What vet FA QB is worth the roster spot?

-- Fair question, and I don't know who will break free yet.

I see mostly zone with critical time/situational man to man scheme where the DB has to win. That means pass rush has to be present, which goes to the top item up above. :-)

--LOS (Pass Rush)

We have 8 picks, and possibly a 4th comp pick for losing Moncrief. So does Ballard trade back to get an extra pick? Or does Frank Gore net us a 7th round comp pick too?

EDIT: I see it, another #2 for Brissett (which I'm not sure happens, though).

I know Cain is a ? mark, so the organization will tell us what's up when they make a FA move, draft a player, or stand pat with the current group.

I also know the Colts are at the back of the draft rounds now, so it will be tough to fill all these needs from just the draft. Some of these holes I listed will be filled by FA's.

I know the D-line needs pass rushers, inside and out badly, and the right side of the O-line is not good enough yet. KC killed the Colts over there. Those are absolute musts for the team to succeed, and IMHO, higher priorities than any other position groups. Hands Down!

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I think his body type is confusing people, because he looks more like a RB than a WR and they have hard time projecting him because of it. Try to ignore his bulk for a moment. Think of him as an averagely sized WR for his height. Imagine he's 195lbs instead of 215... Imagine the same quickness, same route running, same ability to break tackles and gain yards after catch from the slot and same game breaking long-catch game. What do you see? Now add 20 pounds on top WITHOUT subtracting anything for it. Don't punish him for having a weird body type. He does what he does well with this body type. I don't think it's hindering him in any specific way. If anything it's probably helping him break tackles. He's not particularly shifty but that's not something out of the ordinary for most receivers. Not everybody is Parris Campbell. At least he has his bulk and explosiveness to gain YAC in different way than just making people miss by shiftiness.

but you also said he was rated higher in 2017 than 2018????
having a career year in 2018, but rated higher in 2017 is not computing with my old brain.
and wasn't AC out in the beginning of the season?? not sure that you would expect a line with an injured starter, plus two new guys to play well regardless. and smith wasn't even starting until like week 5 or 6, and that was at RG. Then moved to RT around week 8 or 9. the OL was a work in progress the first half of the season. not sure you can say AC was thing that made them good all of sudden. kelly was banged up early too.